You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for a Step-By-Step Guide on how to change the Line on A Weed Eater (“string trimmer”).
The String Trimmer is one of Lawn Care’s most valuable yard tools. However, many homeowners have trouble changing the string trimmer line, or as one friend said, “How do I put the string in a weed eater?” :)
The weed eater is valuable lawn equipment to own, as it lets you trim hard-to-reach areas and keeps your lawn looking its best.
That is, as long as your string trimmer works correctly and delivers a fresh trimmer line when needed!
Never fear; today, we’ll show you how to change the weed eater string easily and quickly.
Three (3) Types of String Trimmer “Heads”
The trimmer head is the part of the weedeater that holds the “spool” and trimmer line.
Before changing your line, it’s essential to understand the three (3) primary Types of weed-eater trimmer heads.
Let’s first determine which one you own – or maybe the one you’d like to own!
1) Fixed Line Trimmer Head
The first weedeater trimmer head type we feature is the fixed-line trimmer head. This type of trimmer head uses three or more short pieces of pre-cut trimmer line, usually held in place with locking tabs on the trimmer head.
There are a few different varieties of this design, and it is a little more expensive to own because it requires more frequent line replacements than bump-feed trimmers. However, If you’re looking for one of the easiest ways to replace the trimmer line – this is it.
The Plus side, however – is almost zero downtime. You change the tab lines once every few months. No tangles, spool changes, etc., and the line used is typically heavier.095 gauge trimmer line.
The Fixed-Line Head design provides a very aggressive cutting head for mowing down tough weeds or grass.
2) Bump Feed Trimmer Head
Next is the bump-feed trimmer head, which houses a trimmer line spool. The spool usually holds 20-30ft of string trimmer line.
When you “bump” the head against the ground, it automatically feeds a short line section out and trims it to length.
The bump-feed trimmer is the most common weed-eater head type, usually found on less expensive trimmer models.
It is considered the most difficult to reload and use for most people. Very few people reload the trimmer head with a new line, but instead, they replace it with a new pre-loaded spool.
We recommend looking at one of the “replacement heads”, such as a fixed-head or speed-feed head, to replace your bump feed head.
3) Automatic (Speed-Feed) Head
Finally, there’s the Automatic (or speed-feed) head—our #1 First Choice in New or Replacement Trimmer Heads.
The Automatic (speed) head combines a giant spool and a bump-feed head with the convenience of a super easy changing system. It’s brilliant and is considered most professionals’ go-to trimmer head design.
The Speed Feed head allows you to feed long lengths of heavy gauge .095 trimmer line—usually about 20 feet long.
Once the trimmer line is inserted, wind it onto the spool with a quick ratchet action by hand.
An automatic trimmer head makes loading many trimmer lines without tangles, snares, or snags easy. This design is found on high-end trimmers and is usually considered the best type of trimmer head for most users.
If you can afford it and have a larger yard, this is highly considered the best replacement trimmer head to own.
How to Change the Line on “Fixed-Line” Trimmer Head:
Step 1: Remove Old Trimmer Line Remnants
Old trimmer lines on fixed-line heads gradually wear down to very short nubs, but when you change them, the trimmer will have a residual line.
The way you remove it depends on the exact configuration of the head, but it can either be pulled back out by pressing a button to loosen it or pushed through to a hollow center. Once removed, dispose of the old piece of line.
Step 2: Insert New Trimmer Line
To load a new line, push the new lengths of fixed line into the holes on the trimmer head, and depress the loading button if your trimmer requires it. When the line is loaded, you’re ready to get to work.
How to change trimmer line on typical weed eater heads and install a Fixed-Line Trimmer Head.”
How to Change Line on the “Bump-Feed” Trimmer Head:
Step 1) Remove the Trimmer Cap and Spool
To wind the new trimmer line onto the spool, you first have to remove the spool.
Please do this by pressing down on the spool cap and twisting it counterclockwise to loosen it from the trimmer head.
Once the cap is off, remove the existing spool.
Rewind or Replace?
At this point, you can replace the old spool with a pre-loaded New trimmer spool. If you’re replacing the spool entirely with a new pre-loaded spool, do so now, then replace the spool cap.
However, if you rewind the existing spool, move on to Step 2 below.
Step 2) Insert Trimmer Line On Existing Spool
First, remove any remaining small amount of trimmer line from the existing spool.
To install the new trimmer line onto your existing spool, cut the length of the new trimmer line from a bulk package of the line gauge you want to use.
Thread the line through the guide hole on the side of the spool, then pull it through until each end of your line is of roughly equal length.
Step 3) Wind New Line
Next, wind both ends of the line onto the spool together. To prevent them from crossing over each other, keep them pulled tight as you wind.
Check the spool for an arrow that tells you the appropriate direction to wind.
When you near the end of the line, use the two notches on the side of the spool to hold the two line ends in place.
Step 4) Reassemble the Trimmer Head
Place the spool back into the trimmer head and feed approximately 10″ of trimmer line out of the head.
Once the head is securely mounted, you’re finished.
How to replace the trimmer line on the Bump-Feed Head:
How to Change Trimmer Line on Automatic-Feed Head
Step 1) Twist the Head Cap into the Proper Position
The first step to change the trimmer line on weed eaters with automatic feeding heads is to rotate the trimmer head cap until it is in the correct position to feed the new line.
The correct head “position” can be found by locating the “Arrow” stamped on both the body and the cap, and then lining them up from across from each other.
You can consult your owner’s manual if you aren’t sure.
Step 2) Feed New Trimmer Line
Once the cap is in the correct position, feed approximately 20 feet of the trimmer line through the eyelets on the head.
As with the standard bump feed spool, you’ll want the two ends of the line to be about the same length.
Keeping the two lines out of the way, turn (ratchet) the cap on top of the trimmer head to automatically feed the line into the internal spool.
Note: On most trimmers with this head type, you’ll turn the cap clockwise to wind the line onto the spool.
Video: How to change a Speed-Feed (Automatic) Replacement Trimmer’s head:
Replacing Trimmer Line with String Trimmer “Brand”
Now that you know how to refill string trimmer lines on the three types of string trimmers, let’s go through a few differences between weed-eater brands.
The following sections illustrate the type of head each of the most prominent trimmer brands uses and any special considerations when reloading them.
Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQ).
Is it Hard to replace the String Trimmer Line?
Once you determine the type of head your string trimmer uses, you can follow the manufacturer’s instructions or the instructions in our guide to replace the trimmer head with a new (pre-loaded) one.
How Do You Refill the Trimmer Line on a STIHL Brand Trimmer?
Most STIHL trimmers use a standard bump feed head that must be disassembled to rewind or replace the spool. However, the company also makes an automatic speed-feed version of its heads for specific brand trimmers.
How do you refill the trimmer line on the Husqvarna trimmer?
Most Husqvarna trimmers use traditional bump feed heads. Some offer convenience features to make the process easier.
Husqvarna String Trimmers are equipped with a Speed-Feed Head. This Husqvarna trimmer head will allow you to load the string trimmer without removing the head.
How to Refill Trimmer Line on Black & Decker Trimmer?
Because Black & Decker primarily manufactures electric trimmers (primarily corded), changing the line is slightly different. Unlike the methods described above, Black & Decker trimmers and most other electric weed eaters are designed to have their trimmer line spools removed and disposed of.
Once disposed of, they are replaced with new trimmer line spools preloaded with the trimmer line.
To replace the Black + Decker Trimmer line spool, pop the cap off the bottom of the trimmer, then remove the old spool. Next, thread the line onto the new spool through the eyelets, insert the spool, and replace the bump cap.
How to Refill Trimmer Line on Troy Bilt Trimmer and Other MTD Brands
Troy-Bilt and other trimmers made by MTD brands typically come with bump-feed heads. However, due to the popularity of these trimmers, several aftermarket replacement heads can also be installed.
These include both fixed-line and automatic speed-feed heads. This gives users a great deal of versatility with these trimmer brands.
How do you refill the Trimmer Line on an Echo Trimmer?
Echo is a bit of a standout in the weed trimmer industry because most trimmers now come with automatic feed heads – called “Rapid Load.” To refill the trimmer line, cut a 20-foot section, feed it into the head, press a button, and the trimmer line loads automatically.
Conclusion:
Now you know the quickest ways to change lines on weed-eater head models- and the three most popular trimmer head designs sold.
Go ahead and get your best string trimmer head in place, and you’ll soon be ready to tackle those out-of-control weeds and hard-to-reach grasses easily. We believe the most accessible outdoor equipment you can own is a self-propelled mower, a cordless leaf blower, and, soon, your string trimmer!
Though your exact trimmer may vary, the directions in this article should help you refill the trimmer line or trimmer head on practically any string trimmer.
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References & Further Reading
- The Best Battery-Powered Lawn Tools for 2020 – Besthomegear.com
- Full line of 20 Volt Outdoor Lawn Equipment – DeWalt
- How to Use a String Trimmer – Video – This Old House.Com
- How do you tell if a lawn mower spark plug is bad? – BestHomeGear.Com
